A remarkable transformation is underway in Singapore’s Chinatown, where the Chinatown Business Association (CBA) aims to revitalise the charming shophouses along Smith Street. This article explores the exciting developments that blend heritage with modern delights, creating a vibrant hub for everyone.

Singapore’s Chinatown is about to get a dazzling new makeover, and the CBA is leading the charge! With a vision to blend heritage with modern experiences, CBA has won the tender to revitalise the charming shophouses along 11 to 37 Smith Street, creating a vibrant hub where culture, cuisine, and community come together.

A Cultural Heartbeat in Chinatown

Dubbed the ‘Cultural Heart’ of Chinatown, Smith Street is set to become a lively destination where visitors can savour a rich mix of history, artistry, and delicious food. Ms Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of CBA, describes it as “a place where culinary delights, art, and immersive experiences converge to inspire joy and excitement.”

With a fascinating lineup of new tenants, there’s something for everyone—from history buffs and foodies to digital nomads and curious explorers.

A Celebration of Peranakan Heritage

History comes alive at Elegance of Nanyang, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Peranakan culture. Whether you want to rent a traditional kebaya for a stylish photoshoot or take one home as a treasured keepsake, this is the place to experience the elegance of old-world Singapore.

The festival, featuring contributions from the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and students from Hwa Chong Institution, will present an exhibition titled “The Warmth and Bustle of The Five-Footway.” This exhibition delves into the history of the five-footways, highlighting the various trades, professions, and leisure activities that characteristically line these renowned pathways.

Explore History Through Engaging Walking Tours

This year’s Five Footway Festival invites you to delve into Chinatown’s rich heritage with four immersive walking tours, each providing a unique perspective on the district’s vibrant past and present.

One of the standout experiences is the Chinatown Theatrical Tour – Letter Writer’s Lament. This storytelling adventure takes participants back to the 1940s and is conducted by Let’s Go Tour, recognised as a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner and a finalist in the 2024 Singapore Tourism Awards. The tour follows the journey of Ace Wan, a young immigrant who discovered his passion as a Chinese letter writer. Through a captivating mix of theater and historical insight, guests will relive the challenges and dreams of early immigrants, tracing the footsteps of those who once congregated along the lively five-footways.

“Under One Roof” – An Immersive Guided Experience at the Chinatown Heritage Centre provides a unique opportunity to step into the daily lives of Chinatown’s early residents. Located within three beautifully restored shophouses, the centre recreates authentic 1950s interiors, showcasing everything from family homes to tradespeople’s workshops, giving visitors a genuine insight into the experiences of those who lived in Chinatown.

Meanwhile, the OG Hustlers walking tour pays tribute to the tenacity of Chinatown’s pioneers, who transformed its narrow five-footways into vibrant hubs of trade and community. Visitors will have the chance to explore century-old establishments, such as Pek Sin Choon, one of Singapore’s oldest tea merchants, and the beloved Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng, unveiling the lasting legacies of these family-run businesses.

For those interested in venturing beyond central Chinatown, Hey Bukit Pasoh! The Vibrant Yesteryears guides visitors through the picturesque enclave of Bukit Pasoh. Here, you can discover hidden treasures where Singapore’s heritage comes to life, from The Pioneers’ Memorial Hall (PMH), which recognises the contributions of Singapore’s leaders, to iconic filming locations featured in Crazy Rich Asians.

A Spectacular Display of Cultural Performance

Smith Street will burst into life with dynamic performances during this year’s Five Footway Festival! Engage with towering Stilt Walkers adorned in traditional attire and be captivated by the breathtaking Lion Dances from esteemed troupes, including the Singapore Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre and the historic Singapore Hok San Association, the first lion dance troupe in the nation.

Anticipate an exhilarating array of acts, from the mesmerizing Face-Changing technique to enchanting performances featuring traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng and pipa. Delight in Street Storytelling and the Energetic Reverberations of Heritage, which highlight the rich sounds of Chinese instrumental music. Don’t miss the action-packed Monkey King Show and an impressive Wushu performance by the Choy’s Brothers Opera Troupe.

The bilingual Paper Monkey Theatre will offer an innovative Hand Puppet Show titled “The Tiger Hero,” combining traditional Chinese hand puppetry with modern theatrical techniques. This performance draws inspiration from “The Water Margin,” one of China’s classic literary masterpieces. It tells the thrilling story of Wu Song as he bravely confronts a fearsome tiger.

As part of the celebration, opera performances will take center stage every weekend, bringing beloved tales from Chinese folklore to life. Audiences can look forward to a vibrant Beijing Opera Performance by the Ping Sheh troupe and a Teochew Opera and Drums Performance by Nam Hwa Opera, one of Singapore’s leading Teochew opera companies. With participants ranging from young performers to those in their 70s, this showcase will reveal the rich storytelling, graceful movements, and musical diversity that define this cherished art form.

Explore Heritage Through Engaging Workshops!

You can dive into Chinatown’s rich heritage through enriching workshops that highlight various aspects of its history and traditions. Food plays a key role in Singapore’s cultural identity, both past and present. In the kaya-making workshop, you will learn step-by-step techniques for making traditional Gula Melaka Kaya.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ang Ku Kueh workshop will provide insights into this iconic red pastry, allowing participants to make it the traditional way. The Teochew Png Kueh Masterclass offers a chance to learn the art of creating the beloved savoury glutinous rice cake. In the Get Prosperous with Egg Huat Kueh workshop, attendees will discover the history and varieties of Huat Kueh (prosperity cake) and learn to make
traditional Egg Huat Kueh.

The Chinese Kung Fu Tea Workshop provides hands-on experience in the art of Chinese tea, where you will explore the cultural significance of tea and learn to brew and serve traditional varieties.

The Sights & Sounds of Chinese Opera workshop explores the world of Cantonese Opera. It features insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and an excerpt from a traditional Chinese Opera performance, all accompanied by a soothing Chinese tea experience.

You can also join the Plate Spinning Experiential Workshop, where you will learn the fundamentals of plate spinning, from balancing to keeping the plates in motion. There are free workshops such as Chinese Ink Painting, Bamboo Pinwheel Making and Bamboo Windchimes Making, where you can try crafting these traditional items.

A Feast for the Senses

Of course, no visit to Chinatown is complete without a culinary adventure, and Smith Street’s transformation will introduce exciting new food and drink options:

• Starbucks – This isn’t just any Starbucks! The world-famous coffeehouse will pay homage to its Smith Street home with a unique design and exclusive Chinatown-inspired merchandise.

• Boon Tong Kee – A true Singaporean favourite, this homegrown brand is renowned for its mouth-watering Cantonese-style chicken rice and comforting home-cooked dishes.

• Killiney – A Singaporean institution since 1919, Killiney will bring its nostalgic Nanyang coffee shop vibes to Smith Street alongside exclusive new menu offerings.

• The Happiest Clam – A seafood lover’s dream, this unique retail experience will showcase fresh, sustainably sourced live geoduck clams from Alaska, the USA, and Canada.

• Gelato Garden – Expanding from its Haji Lane roots, Gelato Garden brings its famous “churning gelato” concept to Chinatown. Expect bold Singaporean flavours like Pei Pa Gao and Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha)—a delicious nod to local taste buds.

Experience the Vibrancy of Smith Street at the Five Footway Festival!

As you stroll along Smith Street, immerse yourself in the delightful offerings of the Five Footway Festival. Discover a captivating Chinese Opera Roving Exhibition, indulge in the Mini Food & Retail Bazaar, capture memories at the Street Scene Photo Booth, and enjoy nostalgic fun at the Traditional Games Booth. Rediscover classic games like pick-up sticks, five stones, marbles, and the eraser game, all set against the lively backdrop of Smith Street.

During the festival, take advantage of insightful talks that explore The Beauty of the Hokkien Language. Delve into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with health talks led by the Science Arts TCM Clinic, focusing on vital topics such as cholesterol levels and eye health.

Best of all, admission to the Five Footway Festival is free! Tickets for selected workshops can be purchased on Peatix. For detailed information about the event schedule and programming, visit Chinatown Singapore’s website. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

Chinatown is calling—will you answer?

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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